Redesigned 2014 Volkswagen GTI to Debut in Geneva

By Jeff Youngs, March 01, 2013

The redesigned 2014 Volkswagen GTI debuts at the 2013 Geneva Motor Show, equipped with more horsepower and torque, improved fuel economy, and traditional design cues such as standard tartan-pattern cloth sport seats. For now, Volkswagen has released information only for the European-market GTI, which goes on sale in May.

The new 2014 GTI is based on the completely redesigned Volkswagen Golf. The model's performance intentions are announced through subtle styling modifications. Fans of the iconic "Detroit"-style wheel design may want to take notice of the new "Brooklyn" wheel design that will be standard on the new car. In addition to the redesigned wheels, the new GTI can be identified by red-painted brake calipers, modified front and rear bumpers, honeycomb grille inserts, a rear spoiler over the back window, side skirts, dual chrome exhaust outlets, and smoked taillights. A lowered sport suspension gives the GTI a hunkered-down stance.

Inside, the 2014 VW GTI is equipped with front sport seats, tartan-pattern cloth upholstery, flat-bottomed steering wheel, stainless steel pedals, black headliner, and red ambient lighting. An automatic climate control system and a touch-screen infotainment system are standard for the Euro-spec GTI.

Under the hood, the new Volkswagen GTI gets a turbocharged and direct-injected 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine rated to deliver 220 horsepower at 4,500 rpm and 258 lb.-ft. of torque starting at 2,500 rpm. Despite its 20 extra ponies and 58 additional lb.-ft. of torque, Volkswagen says the new engine provides an 18% improvement in fuel economy, thanks in part to standard automatic stop/start technology.

As before, the new GTI is equipped with a standard 6-speed manual gearbox delivering power to the front wheels. A 6-speed Direct Shift Gearbox (DSG) automated manual transmission is optional. According to Volkswagen, the 2014 GTI can accelerate from zero to 60 mph in less than 6.5 seconds and achieve a maximum speed of more than 150 mph. An optional Performance Pack for the European model adds 10 horsepower and offers slight acceleration and top-speed improvements, VW says.

According to Volkswagen, the 2014 GTI will be offered only in Tornado Red, Pure White, and Black paint colors when it goes on sale in Europe. More details about color availability in the United States, as well as vehicle differences to meet U.S. specifications will be available at a later date.